BIBLE STUDY NOTES AND RESOURCES

Summary: "You Are the Salt of the Earth: What is the Salt of the Covenant?" –

Bible Study by Dr. Bryan Hudson

This Bible study explores Jesus’ declaration, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and examines the deeper meaning behind the "salt of the covenant" referenced in Leviticus 2:13. Dr. Hudson explains that salt symbolizes influence, which is central to the believer's purpose and identity. Just as salt preserves, purifies, and adds flavor, Christians are called to influence the world through godly living and covenant relationship with God.

Key themes include:

• Influence as the essence of salt: Salt’s historic uses (purification, preservation, healing, and value) all reflect its power to influence, just as believers are called to influence the world through God’s presence in them.

• Covenant relationship: The “salt of the covenant” represents a perpetual, faithful relationship with God, marked by commitment and consistency, not just temporary benefit.

• Spiritual formation through SHAPE: Using Rick Warren’s acronym (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences), Dr. Hudson explains how God shapes believers through trials (fire) and divine influence (salt).

• Seasoned by fire: Trials refine faith like fire purifies gold or forms stainless steel—painful but purposeful, producing strength and Christlikeness.

• New Testament application: Jesus shifts the salt metaphor from ritual to spiritual reality—"have salt in yourselves and peace with one another" (Mark 9:50)—emphasizing inner transformation that leads to external impact.

• Living as influencers: Believers must first be influenced by God to influence others effectively. A lack of God's influence leads to a loss of “saltiness” or spiritual vitality.

• Practical outcome: A life seasoned by God results in peace, stronger relationships, and the ability to represent Christ as both salt and light in the world.

Ultimately, Dr. Hudson teaches that to be the salt of the earth is to live under God's influence, embody His covenant, and positively impact others with purity, purpose, and perseverance.

Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

• Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and “salt of the earth.”

• The church must understand its purpose not just as a community, but as a force for good in the world.

• We're not called to shine in the church only, but in the world—where light is needed most.

• A lighthouse doesn’t remove the rocks or calm the sea, but it shines light to guide ships away from danger.

• Similarly, believers are called to shine in dark places, helping others avoid destruction.

• We cannot shine effectively if we are living in darkness ourselves.

• God wants to make us blameless and harmless, as Philippians 2:15 says, so that we can shine in a crooked generation.

• Light = Good Works + Godly Living + Justice

• Shining includes helping the weak, standing for justice, and living righteously, not just evangelizing.

• Examples from scripture (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17, Acts 20:35) support this.

• These values are biblical, not just political:

  • Diversity: Revelation 7:9

  • Equity: Proverbs 2:9, 2 Samuel 8:15

  • Inclusion: Nehemiah 8:10, Jeremiah 22:3

• Believers must not remain silent when injustice occurs but shine the light of truth and compassion.

• Jesus gave spiritual authority to His church (Matthew 16:19).

• We are to bind and loose in alignment with heaven, standing against darkness wherever God assigns us.

• The church is not a building but people called by God (Ecclesia).

• We are the church wherever we go and must reflect Christ in action and truth.

• Your light must shine where it is needed—in society, politics, schools, neighborhoods.

• Don’t hide your light. Let others see your good works and glorify God.

“We all shine differently, but we are all called to shine.”